Bicycle electric cable tensioning assembly

ABSTRACT

A bicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly includes a tensioning body. The tensioning body includes a frame attachment portion and a cable tensioning portion. The frame attachment portion is configured and arranged for connection to a bicycle frame. The cable tensioning portion is configured to provide and adjust tension to an electrical cable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle electric cable tensioningassembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycleelectric cable tensioning assembly that attaches to a bicycle frame.

2. Background Information

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One component that has been extensively redesigned is thebicycle shifter mechanism, front derailleur and rear derailleur.

In particular, the front and rear derailleurs are now provided withelectrically powered shift assist motors. For example, the shiftermechanism is provided with an electronic controller, switches and/orlevers. A cyclist presses or touches one of the switches and/or leversand the controller transmits a control signal to the appropriate motor(a rear derailleur motor or a front derailleur motor). With no furthereffort from the cyclist, the desired gear ratio is established bypowered movement of the bicycle chain to the appropriate front and/orrear chain sprocket.

In such a system, the shifter mechanism, the front derailleur and therear derailleur must be electronically connected to one another.Consequently, one or more electrical cables are provided. For example,one or more electrical cables extends between the shifter mechanism, thefront derailleur and the rear derailleur.

Since bicycles typically travel at high rates of speed, it is importantto retain the electrical cables in a stationary orientation on thebicycle frame.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved electricalcable retaining configuration that maintains the electrical cables in astationary orientation on the bicycle frame. This invention addressesthis need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to maintain an electrical cablein a stationary orientation with respect to a bicycle frame.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple mechanismfor tensioning an electric cable without modification to the bicycleframe.

The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing a bicycleelectrical cable tensioning assembly includes a tensioning body. Thetensioning body includes a frame attachment portion and a cabletensioning portion. The frame attachment portion is configured andarranged for connection to a bicycle frame. The cable tensioning portionis configured to provide and adjust tension to an electrical cable.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle having a bicycle frameand a power assisted gear shifting system that includes an electricalcable tensioning assembly in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side schematic view of the bicycle frame depicted in FIG. 1,with various components of the bicycle removed to show various electriccables of the power assisted gear shifting system and the electricalcable tensioning assembly in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of an electric cable junction thatattaches to a lower portion of the bicycle frame in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one electrical cable tensioningassembly showing attachment to the bicycle frame and aspects of theelectrical cable tensioning assembly in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical cabletensioning assembly showing aspects of the electrical cable tensioningassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side schematic view of the electrical cable tensioningassembly showing the electrical cable tensioning assembly restrictingmovement of an electric cable in a first direction of movement inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side schematic view of the electrical cable tensioningassembly showing a release mechanism of the electrical cable tensioningassembly moved to allow movement of the electric cable in the firstdirection of movement in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained withreference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart from this disclosure that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 having an electrical cabletensioning assembly 12 is illustrated in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention.

The bicycle 10 basically includes (among other things) a frame 14, afront wheel 16, a rear wheel 18, a handlebar 20 and a power assistedgear shifting system that includes the electrical cable tensioningassembly 12, as described in greater detail below.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2, the frame 14 basically includes (amongother things) a head tube 22, a down tube 24, a bottom bracket mountingportion 26, chain stays 28 and a seat tube 30 that are allinterconnected to form a rigid structure that defines the frame 14. Theframe 14 can be made of metallic elements welded together or formed withany of a variety a composite materials such a fiberglass and/or carbonfiber materials.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front wheel 16 is supported by a front fork 32that extends through the head tube 22. The rear wheel 18 is supportedbetween the chain stays 28 in a conventional manner (only one chain stay28 is visible in FIGS. 1 and 2).

The frame 14 also includes at least two mechanical cable receivingportions 34. One of the mechanical cable receiving portions 34 isdisposed proximate an upper end on a lower surface of the down tube 24.The other of the mechanical cable receiving portions 34 is disposedproximate a rear portion of a lower surface of one of the chain stays28, as shown in FIG. 2. However, it should be understood from thedescription herein and the accompanying drawings that the mechanicalcable receiving portions 34 can be located in any of a variety oflocations on the frame 14.

The mechanical cable receiving portions 34 are generally the same andtherefore description of one applies to both. For the sake of brevity,only one of mechanical cable receiving portions 34 is described with thedescription applying to both.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mechanical cable receiving portion 34 ispreferably similar to, or the same, as a Bowden type cable support.Specifically, the mechanical cable receiving portion 34 can be used toretain an outer casing of a Bowden type cable. A tensioned cable canextend through the mechanical cable receiving portion 34, if desired.Alternatively, the mechanical cable receiving portion 34 can be astructure specifically constructed to receive the electrical cabletensioning assembly 12. Either configuration support the electricalcable tensioning assembly 12, as described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mechanical cable receiving portion 34 isattached to or formed integrally with the frame 14 of the bicycle 10.The mechanical cable receiving portion 34 includes a projection 40 thatis formed with a cylindrically shaped recess 42 and an aperture 44 thatis coaxially aligned with the recess 42. The aperture 44 extends from aninnermost end of the recess 42 to an outer surface of the projection 40.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the power assisted gear shifting system includesa front derailleur 50, a rear derailleur 52, a shifter mechanism 54, abattery 56, electric cables 58, 60, 62 and 64, a junction 66 (FIG. 2)and at least two of the electrical cable tensioning assemblies 12.

The front derailleur 50 is supported on the seat tube 30 of the frame 14above the bottom bracket mounting portion 26. The rear derailleur 52 isattached to a rear frame end. The shifter mechanism 54 is supported onthe handle bar 20 and the battery 56 is supported on the down tube 24.The junction 66 is attached to the bottom bracket mounting portion 26,as shown in FIG. 2. The electric cable 58 extends between the junction66 and the shifter mechanism 54. The electric cable 60 extends betweenthe junction 66 and the rear derailleur 52. The electric cable 62extends between the junction 66 and the battery 56. The electric cable64 extends between the junction 66 and the front derailleur 50.

The front and rear derailleurs 50 and 52 are power assisted.Specifically, positioning of chain guides of each of the front and rearderailleurs 50 and 52 are controlled by, for instance, electric motors.Each of the front and rear derailleurs 50 and 52 include positioncontrol sensors which provide chain guide position signals to acontroller (not shown) located in, for example, the shifter mechanism54. However, it should be understood that the controller can be locatedin any of a variety of locations on the bicycle 10, such as adjacent tothe battery 56, within the junction 66 or in either one of the front andrear derailleurs 50 and 52.

The shifter mechanism 54 includes levers or buttons (not shown) operatedby a cyclist for changing the gear ratio of the chain C. Specifically,operating one of the buttons or levers on the shifter mechanism 54causes the controller to send a signal to the motor in the frontderailleur 50 and/or the motor in the rear derailleur 52. The signalcauses the corresponding motor to move the corresponding chain guide andhence the chain C to a different chain sprocket of one of either thefront chain rings S₁ and the rear chain rings S₂.

The various signals between the shifter mechanism 54 and the chain guidepositioning sensors in the front and rear derailleurs 50 and 52, andelectric power from the battery 56 are transmitted through the electriccables 58, 60, 62 and 64 and the junction 66.

As shown in FIG. 3, the junction 66 is basically a solid support memberfixed to the bottom bracket mounting portion 26 by a fastener F. Thejunction 66 includes circuitry and/or connections (not shown) betweenthe various wires protected within the electric cables 58, 60, 62 and64. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electric cable 58 extends out of afront portion of the junction 66. The electric cable 60 extends out of arear portion of the junction 66. Further, the electric cables 62 and 64extend out of opposite sides the junction 66.

The electric cables 58 and 60 are fixedly secured within the junction66. Consequently, a predetermined amount of tension can be applied toeach of the electric cables 58 and 60 without any movement of theelectric cables 58 and 60 relative to the junction 66.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric cable 58 extends from thejunction 66 along an underside of the down tube 24 through theelectrical cable tensioning assembly 12 located adjacent to the headtube 22 and further extends to the shifter mechanism 54. The electriccable 58 connects to the shifter mechanism 54 via a connector 58 a. Theelectric cable 60 extends from the junction 66 along an underside of oneof the chain stays 28 through the electrical cable tensioning assembly12 located adjacent to the rear derailleur 52 and further extends to therear derailleur 52. The electric cable 60 connects to the rearderailleur 52 via a connector 60 a. The electric cable 62 extends fromthe junction 66 to the battery 56 and connects to the battery 56 via aconnector 62 a. The electric cable 64 extends from the junction 66 tothe front derailleur 50 and connects to the front derailleur 50 via aconnector 62 a.

With specific reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, a description of theelectrical cable tensioning assembly 12 is now provided. The electricalcable tensioning assembly 12 basically includes a tensioning body 70that has a frame attachment portion 72 and a cable tensioning portion74. The frame attachment portion 72 and the cable tensioning portion 74extend in directions generally parallel to one another. The frameattachment portion 72 is configured and arranged for connection to theframe 14. Specifically, the frame attachment portion 72 is configuredand arranged for connection to the mechanical cable receiving portion34.

The frame attachment portion 72 basically includes a protrusion 76 and athreaded aperture 78 (a fastener receiving portion). The protrusion 76configured and dimensioned to insert into the recess 42 of themechanical cable receiving portion 34. The threaded aperture 78 isconfigured to receive a fastener F that extends through the aperture 44in the mechanical cable receiving portion 34.

The cable tensioning portion 74 has a hollow interior 80 configured toreceive the electrical cable 58 (or 60) extending therethrough. For thesake of brevity, electric cable 58 is referred to in the followingdescription. However, since the electrical cable tensioning assembly 12is used for both of the electric cables 58 and 60, the followingdescription applies to use with either of the electric cables 58 and 60.

The cable tensioning portion 74 is configured to provide and adjusttension to the electrical cable 58. Within the hollow interior 80, thecable tensioning portion 74 further includes two wedge members 82, abiasing spring 84, a spring cap 85, a release member 86 and end caps 88and 89.

The hollow interior 80 has four separate inner surface portions, a firstinner portion 90, a tapered portion 92, a second inner portion 94 andthe third inner portion 96. The first, second and third inner portions90, 94 and 96 preferably each have their own uniform diameter surface.However, the first inner portion 90 has a diameter larger than thesecond inner portion 94. The third inner portion 96 has a diameterlarger than the second inner portion 94. Consequently, an annularsurface 98 extends between the second inner portion 94 and the thirdinner portion 96. The tapered portion 92 has a gradually diminishingdiameter extending between the first and second inner portion 90 and 94.

The two wedge members 82 each have a tapered outer surface correspondingapproximately to the tapering of the tapered portion 92 of the hollowinterior 80 of the cable tensioning portion 74. Further, the two wedgemembers 82 have generally uniform diameter inner surfaces that areslightly smaller than an outer surface of the cables 58 and 60.

The biasing spring 84 is a compressible coil spring having apredetermined spring constant sufficient to apply a biasing force on thetwo wedge members 82. The spring cap 85 has a recess that receives oneend of the biasing spring 84. An opposite end of the spring cap 85 isconfigured for contact with the two wedge members 82 in order totransfer biasing force from the biasing spring 84.

As shown in FIG. 4, the release member 86 is a generally hollowcylindrically shaped sleeve member disposed coaxially about the electriccable 58 that includes an annular ring portion 86 a that projectsoutwardly from the release member 86.

The main portion of the release member 86 has an outer diameter that isslightly smaller than the second inner portion 94 of the hollow interior80 of the cable tensioning portion 74. However, the annular ring portion86 a has an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter ofthe third inner portion 96 of the hollow interior 80 of the cabletensioning portion 74, but larger than the diameter of the second innerportion 94. Consequently, the release member 86 is movable within thehollow interior 80, but that movement is restricted by contact betweenthe annular ring portion 86 a and the annular surface 98.

The end cap 88 includes two recesses, each having progressively smallerdiameters. The smallest recess receives and restricts movement of thebiasing spring 84. The next recess is dimensioned to engage and providea force fit with the surface of the first inner portion 90 of the hollowinterior of the cable tensioning portion 74. The end cap 88 furtherincludes a central aperture that allows either of the electric cables 58and/or 60 to move freely there through.

The end cap 89 includes a single recess that is dimensioned to engageand provide a force fit with the surface of the third inner portion 96of the hollow interior of the cable tensioning portion 74. The end cap89 further includes a central aperture that allows either of theelectric cables 58 and/or 60 to move freely there through.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the two wedge members 82 are disposed withinthe hollow interior 80 approximately located at the tapered portion 92.The biasing spring 84 is disposed in the first inner portion 90 of thehollow interior 80 and applies a biasing force to the wedge members 82causing the wedge members 82 to contact the surface of the taperedportion 92. Consequently, the wedge members 82 are urged into contactwith the electric cable 58. The force of the biasing spring 84 on thewedge members 82 and consequently on the electric cable 58 is such thatmovement in the first direction D₁ is restricted, as indicated in FIGS.4 and 6.

The wedge members 82 are configured to engage and restrict movement ofthe electric cable 58 in at least the first direction D₁ of theelectrical cable 58. Specifically, if external tension is applied to theelectric cable 58 for movement in the first direction D₁, the electriccable 58 cannot move in the first direction D₁. However, if tension orforce is applied to the electric cable 58 in a second direction D₂, theelectric cable 58 can move in the second direction D₂. Specifically,movement of the electric cable 58 in the second direction D₂ causes thewedge members 82 to press against the biasing spring 84. The biasingspring 84 compresses and the wedge members 82 can move away from oneanother. Thus the electric cable is able to move in the second directionD₂.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, if the release member 86 is moved in thesecond direction D₂, the release member 86 presses against the wedgemembers 82. The biasing spring 84 is compressed and the force of thebiasing spring 84 on the wedge members 82 is released and the forces onthe electric cable 58 are released. Consequently, with the releasemember 86 in the position shown in FIG. 7, the electric cable 58 canmove freely in the first direction D₁. Hence, the release member 86 is arelease mechanism that moves the wedge members 82 against the force ofthe biasing spring 84. Hence, the wedge members 82 no longer engage theelectric cable 58. Consequently, the electric cable 58 is movable in thefirst direction D₁ and second direction D₂. Further, the release member86 (the release mechanism) is at least partially disposed within thehollow interior 80.

It should be understood from the drawings and the description hereinthat the first and second directions D₁ and D₂ are defined relative tothe electrical cable tensioning assembly 12. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 2 the front one of the electrical cable tensioning assembly 12(mounted to the down tube 24) has first and second directions D₁ and D₂defined with respect thereto. Similarly, the rearward one of theelectrical cable tensioning assembly 12 (mounted to one of the chainstays 28) has first and second directions D₁ and D₂ defined with respectthere.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, the electrical cable tensioningassembly 12 basically operates as follows. If the electric cable 58 isloose and needs to be tensioned, the following steps are followed.First, the portion of the electric cable 58 adjacent to the connector 58a is pulled forward away from the electrical cable tensioning assembly12 and toward the handlebar 20. Pulling the electric cable 58 adjacentto the connector 58 a causes the electric cable 58 to move the wedgemembers 82 in the second direction D₂. The wedge members 82 compress thebiasing spring 84 allowing the electric cable 58 to move. Since thejunction 66 is fixed to the bottom bracket mounting portion 26, and thejunction 66 firmly holds the electric cable 58, the electric cable 58can be pulled into tension between the junction 66 and the electricalcable tensioning assembly 12. Once the electric cable 58 is released,biasing spring 84 and the wedge members 82 again apply force to theelectric cable 58 maintaining the tension between the junction 66 andthe electrical cable tensioning assembly 12.

The electric cable 60 is tensioned in a similar manner. Specifically,the electric cable 60 adjacent to the connector 60 a is pulled rearwardaway from the electrical cable tensioning assembly 12 at the rear of theframe 14. Pulling the electric cable 60 rearward causes the electriccable 60 to move the wedge members 82 in the second direction D₂ (thefirst and second directions D₁ and D₂ are defined relative to theelectrical cable tensioning assembly 12). The wedge members 82 compressthe biasing spring 84 allowing the electric cable 60 to move and becometensioned. Since the junction 66 is fixed to the bottom bracket mountingportion 26 and the junction 66 firmly holds the electric cable 60.Hence, the electric cable 60 can be pulled into tension between thejunction 66 and the electrical cable tensioning assembly 12. Once theelectric cable 60 is released, the biasing spring 84 and the wedgemembers 82 again apply force to the electric cable 60 maintaining thetension between the junction 66 and the electrical cable tensioningassembly 12.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“configured” as used herein to describe a component, section or part ofa device that is constructed to carry out the desired function. Inunderstanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising”and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended termsthat specify the presence of the stated features, elements, componentsand groups but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features,elements, components, groups and/or steps. The foregoing also applies towords having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having”and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,”“member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dualmeaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. As used herein todescribe the present invention, the following directional terms“forward, rearward, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below andtransverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a bicycle equipped with the present invention.Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present inventionshould be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with the presentinvention as used in the normal riding position. Finally, terms ofdegree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as usedherein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term suchthat the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A bicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly, comprising: atensioning body having a frame attachment portion configured andarranged for connection to a bicycle frame and a cable tensioningportion configured to provide and adjust tension to an electrical cable.2. The bicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the bicycle frame includes a mechanical cable receivingportion with the frame attachment portion configured and arranged forconnection to the mechanical cable receiving portion.
 3. The bicycleelectrical cable tensioning assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein theframe attachment portion includes a protrusion configured to insert intoa mechanical cable receiving portion on the bicycle frame.
 4. Thebicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly as set forth in claim 3wherein the protrusion includes a fastener receiving portion forreceiving a fastener that extends through an aperture in the mechanicalcable receiving portion.
 5. The bicycle electrical cable tensioningassembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the cable tensioning portionincludes at least one wedge member configured to engage and restrictmovement in at least a first direction of the electrical cable.
 6. Thebicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly as set forth in claim 5wherein the cable tensioning portion includes a biasing springconfigured to bias the wedge member into engagement with the electriccable.
 7. The bicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly as set forthin claim 6 wherein the cable tensioning portion includes a releasemechanism configured to move the wedge member against force from thebiasing spring out of engagement with the electric cable such that theelectric cable is movable in the first direction.
 8. The bicycleelectrical cable tensioning assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein thecable tensioning portion includes a release mechanism configured to movethe wedge member out of engagement with the electric cable such that theelectric cable is movable in the first direction.
 9. The bicycleelectrical cable tensioning assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein therelease mechanism includes a cylindrically shaped sleeve member disposedcoaxially about the electric cable.
 10. The bicycle electrical cabletensioning assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the frame attachmentportion and the cable tensioning portion of the tensioning body extendin directions generally parallel to one another.
 11. The bicycleelectrical cable tensioning assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein thecable tensioning portion of the tensioning body includes a hollowinterior configured to receive the electrical cable extendingtherethrough.
 12. The bicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly asset forth in claim 11 wherein the cable tensioning portion includes atleast one wedge member disposed within the hollow interior that isconfigured to engage and restrict movement in at least a first directionof the electrical cable.
 13. The bicycle electrical cable tensioningassembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein the cable tensioning portionincludes a biasing spring configured to bias the wedge member intoengagement with the electric cable.
 14. The bicycle electrical cabletensioning assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein the cabletensioning portion includes a release mechanism at least partiallydisposed within the hollow interior that is configured to move the wedgemember against force from the biasing spring out of engagement with theelectric cable such that the electric cable is movable in the firstdirection.
 15. The bicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly as setforth in claim 12 wherein the cable tensioning portion includes arelease mechanism at least partially disposed within the hollow interiorconfigured to move the wedge member out of engagement with the electriccable such that the electric cable is movable in the first direction.16. The bicycle electrical cable tensioning assembly as set forth inclaim 15 wherein the release mechanism includes a cylindrically shapedsleeve member disposed coaxially about the electric cable.